Spring: April 1938 Summary

The first entry in April is dated April 15 and is the story Sachi tells Stephen about her childhood. It's here that Stephen will learn the details that have been missing. Stephen says he's made up his mind to see Sachi, but it's Matsu who broaches the subject. Stephen says the walk to Yamaguchi was dampened only by his fear that he might soon have to leave for Hong Kong. As they near Yamaguchi, Matsu smells smoke. He yells for Stephen to go back, but the both enter the village and begin fighting the fire that will destroy two or three of the small houses. It's during that battle that Stephen meets Hiro—a leper who has lost his hands to the disease. Stephen and Hiro work together, dousing the flames until the fire is put out. As Stephen and Matsu are talking after the...